AIAC Response to the Release of the Space Advisory Board Report

Today the Hon. Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) released a report produced by the government’s Space Advisory Board (SAB) on Canada’s space sector. The report identifies six issues for the government to consider as it develops a new space strategy:

Designating the space sector as a national strategic asset essential to Canada’s sovereignty, security and economic growth;

Strengthening the capacity of Canada’s space sector to compete globally;

Adopting new policies and regulations to allow the space sector to capitalize on technology advances;

Maintaining balanced, sustainable programs and funding for space;

Enhancing public education and outreach programs to inspire and prepare young Canadians for future participation in the space sector; and

Revitalizing Canada’s space program to ensure it remains responsive and relevant to its international partners.

Jim Quick, President and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada, issued the following statement in response to the report’s release:

The Space Advisory Board’s report highlights the essential role Canada’s space sector plays in our nation’s sovereignty, security, and quality of life. We applaud and echo the Board’s call for urgent action by the government to reverse the decline in support for Canada’s space program and ensure that these many benefits are not lost. We also support the Board’s recommendation that space be designated a national strategic asset and its call for a balanced approach to space programming and strategic planning going forward.

Canadians are rightly proud of our nation’s long and elite heritage in space. A bold vision and firm commitment is now required to ensure that this heritage is passed on to the next generation. We commend the Space Advisory Board on their important work in laying the foundation for Canada’s future in space. We also commend Minister Bains for his leadership in appointing the Board. We look forward to working with Minister Bains and the Space Advisory Board to implement the report’s recommendations swiftly and thoroughly.

AIAC is the national association representing Canada’s aerospace manufacturing and services sector. As the world’s fifth-largest aerospace industry, Canada’s aerospace sector contributes nearly $28B to the economy in GDP, exports 80% of its output, and dedicates over 20% of its activity to research and development (R&D). Aerospace is responsible for the employment of 208,000 Canadians.